Guest guest Posted January 3, 2003 Report Share Posted January 3, 2003 It is common in many religious traditions (I know Jews and Moslems do it, too) to seat the women (and small children) separately from the men. Aside from menstruation taboos (many cultures feel men should be kept away from women during their monthly period), the major reason given is that mixing the men with the women would cause distracting sexual stimulation. (In Tantric traditions, this sexual stimulation is actually sought, so Tantrics are less likely to segregate.) I am a bisexual male, so it doesn't matter what congregation you put me in, I'm likely to find someone who's attractive and stimulating. Self-control is not impossible to develop, however... :-) > Does Shaktism advocate heterosexuality? > Most religions encourage their practitioners to reproduce and increase the number of believers. I've noticed that Shaktism often makes room for gay men and women, who are given shamanic roles to play in the religion (tranceworkers, cross-dressing performers, etc.). -- Len/ Kalipadma On Fri, 03 Jan 2003 21:41:38 -0000 "Mary Ann <maryann" <maryann writes: > i was s member of the siddha yoga foundation for more than > > two years... i have attended gurumayi's retreats in new york... of > > course, you are right - there is 'segregation' but this is nothing > > unusual in the indian context - women sit together and men sit > > together! > > > Segregation, or "separate but equal" policies, were was used to > support bias against black people becoming full citizens in our > country. In our country (and I'm sure in yours), women still are not > viewed as full people unto themselves without men. ______________ Sign Up for Juno Platinum Internet Access Today Only $9.95 per month! Visit www.juno.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2003 Report Share Posted January 3, 2003 Once I was at a gathering for Ammachi about 10 years ago. They were segregating the men and women on different sides of the hall. I said out loud, "Since I'm gay does this mean I get to sit in the middle?" Things change. They no longer segregate, and I've heard Amma performs blessings for gay families now. =-= om==- Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2003 Report Share Posted January 4, 2003 I am happy (and proud??) to stay within 90 kilometers of her ashram. I respect her as a teacher. SoulQuest7 wrote:Once I was at a gathering for Ammachi about 10 years ago. They were segregating the men and women on different sides of the hall. I said out loud, "Since I'm gay does this mean I get to sit in the middle?" Things change. They no longer segregate, and I've heard Amma performs blessings for gay families now. =-= om==- Nick Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2003 Report Share Posted January 16, 2003 , Black Lotus L Rosenberg <kalipadma@j...> wrote: > > Most religions encourage their practitioners to reproduce and increase > the number of believers. I've noticed that Shaktism often makes room for > gay men and women, who are given shamanic roles to play in the religion > (tranceworkers, cross-dressing performers, etc.). Who told you that Shaktism makes room??? Shaktism does not speak about such things. sa. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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